Abu Dhabi: With only Al Ain securing a semi-final berth in the Etisalat Cup with one week remaining in the first round, today's and tomorrow's matches promise to be interesting affairs.
Al Ain lead the first group with 16 points followed by Al Wahda, Dubai, Al Dhafrah, Al Nasr with 9 and Bani Yas.
With six points at stake in the 9th and the 10th weeks all the teams of the group have a chance to make it to the semi-finals.
Al Ain will play an away match tonight against Dubai who need to win their remaining two matches to reach the last four stage.
Al Wahda will host Bani Yas tonight hoping to avenge their first round defeat and to consolidate their second place position.
New coach
Al Nasr will host Al Dhafrah looking to extend a good run. The match will be Al Nasr's first under their new Italian coach Walter Zenga who replaced on loan coach Eid Baroot, who returned to his post with the UAE FA as coach of the UAE junior team.
In the second group, Al Wasl lead the standings with 15 points followed by Al Shabab, Al Ittihad, Sharjah, Al Jazira and Al Ahli.
Al Wasl will travel to the capital to face reigning champions Al Jazira. Victory will secure a place in the semi-finals for Al Wasl, while it will renew the hopes of the home team to defend the title they won last year.
Al Shabab will go to Kalba to face Al Ittihad and both teams have a chance to reach the semi-final if they take three points, while Sharjah will host Al Ahli with only victory on mind to increase their chances of winning promotion to the last four stage.
Today
- Al Nasr vs Al Dhafrah 6.35pm
- Dubai vs Al Ain 6.35pm
- Al Wahda vs Bani Yas 6.40pm
Tomorrow
- Al Ittihad vs Al Shabab 6.30pm
- Sharjah vs Al Ahli 6.35pm
- Al Jazira vs Al Wasl 6.40pm
